*Honda's VFR1200F DCT in a lovely shade of candy red

Honda VFR1200F: standard model vs. DCT

First off, let’s just clear up a little confusion. There are two versions of this motorcycle. There’s the standard model of the VFR1200F, with a regular clutch lever and toe-shifter. Then there is the DCT version. DCT= Dual Clutch Transmission.

Honda's VFR1200F standard model: regular clutch lever

VFR1200F standard model: toe-shifter

Well, so what does that mean?
The DCT allows the rider to ride in either manual mode or automatic mode. If you’d like to ride in automatic mode, there are two options to choose: D-mode for regular operation and S-mode for sporty riding. Or you can ride in manual mode, but instead of your typical clutch lever and toe-shift you have paddle-shifter-type controls that deliver the same shifting response as a manual transmission.

Detail of the DCT: above the power button you can see the switch to put it in either Automatic/Manual mode. In automatic mode you can use the grey switch for a "drive" or "sport" mode.

Detail of the DCT: if the bike is in manual mode you use the paddle shift to change gears. No clutch lever or or toe shift. You shift up in gears using your index finger and pressing the grey triangle, down shift with your thumb where the "minus" button is.

And in Honda-speak:
“The Dual Clutch Transmission configuration employs independent clutches for the odd-numbered gears (1st, 3rd, 5th) and the even-numbered gears (2nd, 4th, 6th), respectively. The two clutches operate alternately to effect gear changes. For example, when changing from 1st to 2nd gear, the computer detects the up-shift and engages 2nd gear, then releases the 1st-gear clutch while engaging the 2nd-gear clutch to achieve a smooth gear change. It’s a fast and efficient transition that delivers extremely quick shifts.”

fans have nicknamed it "The Buffalo."

During the presentation of this bike the first night we were in Santa Barbara there was a lengthy chunk of time dedicated to the tech and engineering behind this bike. A lot of thought went into making the VFR1200 a very comfy and performance-oriented motorcycle.  I won’t get too in-depth with all the technical details, but here are some basics stats (full specs listed at Honda’s website).

Engine: 1237cc liquid-cooled 76-degree V-4
Transmission: six speed
Final Drive: Shaft
Wheelbase: 60.8 inches
Weight: 591 pounds (VFR1200F) / 613 pounds (VFR1200F with DCT)
Seat height: 32.1″ (probably not a great option for vertically challenged people. Again, at 5’7″ I had no problem with my feet hitting the ground comfortably.)
Fuel Capacity: 4.9 gallons
Induction: Programmed Fuel Injection
Front Brake: Dual full-floating 320mm discs with CBS six-piston calipers with ABS
Rear Brake: Single 276mm disc with CBS two-piston caliper with ABS
Front Tire: 120/70 ZR-17 radial
Rear Tire: 190/55 ZR-17 radial
Color: Candy Red

Accessories to consider

Every bike, no matter how well engineered, always needs some extra accessories to make it a little more comfortable for the rider. While there are many accessories for the VFR1200F, here’s a few that I would definitely consider:

Windscreen deflector: has 3-position adjustability that attaches over the standard windshield. Not as much buffeting with the addition of this screen.

VFR1200F windscreen deflector

Heated grips: sure, heated grips are always nice in theory but sometimes the design doesn’t really follow through and your digits still end up out in the cold. These grips are smaller in diameter and the coil shape is designed to distribute more heat to your fingers. A definite benefit on those super-cold riding days.

VFR1200F heated grips

Center stand: while I don’t really care for a center stand, many folks definitely prefer one for a bike like this. But it’ll cost ya a little extra.

VFR1200F center stand

If you’d like to see the full line of accessories you can download this PDF (1.1mb).

Overall, this is a pretty good looking motorcycle with a lot of bells & whistles. Honda is very excited about the VFR1200F and is definitely positioning this as a premium ride (and perhaps to rival BMW’s K1300S?). The standard version of the VFR120oF is now available in dealerships starting at $15, 999 (the DCT model is around $18k).
Next post: VFR1200F, the ride and review.

The Journey

I was dropped off at Boston’s Logan Airport by one half of the Hungry Mouse team: The Angry Chef and their new fluffy addition, Miss Penelope.

Penolope

I arrived with much time to spare before my flight. Had an overpriced yogurt for breakfast. Cracked open a new book and began reading through sleepy eyes (didn’t get much sleep the night before). Then boarded the plane, snapped myself into my seat and waited nervously for the plane to take off. Once in the air I…Zzzzz. Yup, fell asleep on and off for the next five hours while the two guys next to me chatted like ladies at a book club meeting.

Connecting flight was in Phoenix AZ. High temperatures of 103 degrees during the day. Wha…? Whoa. This would be one day I’m glad I’m not staying in Phoenix…

The second flight was only an hour but I seriously couldn’t wait to get both my feet on the ground again.

The Destination

Made it to Santa Barbara airport and first thing that struck me was: all of the mountains and how mild the weather was. Oh, and the airport is pretty small too, but very nice.

Welcome to Santa Barbara

There was a hotel shuttle waiting  to take me to Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort. It’s a beautiful, sprawling resort on 25 acres of land with all the amenities you could ask for, not to mention a beach right across the street. This is the first time that Honda has ever done something like this aimed at consumers and they’re doing it up right so far.

Fess Parker's DoubleTree Resort

After getting settled in I notice a big Honda trailer and tent set up in the parking lot behind my room so I head out to say hello to all the Honda folks and some of the other lucky contestants here to ride this VFR1200. My first impression: these guys are hardcore fans. They’re talking about all the different generations of the VFR, lots of tech specs, specific gear and helmets and some have encountered each other on different sport-touring message boards.

I start to feel dreadfully out of place. But I’m not discouraged.

Later in the evening comes the meet and greet with the Honda folks. They are all pretty generous and gracious. There’s a pretty extensive and informative presentation with a little history about Honda and the engineering behind the VFR1200 DCT and 1200F. Clearly they are excited about this model, which I’ll go more in depth about in a future post.

presentation slide

The group starts firing out a lot of questions. I felt like I was at a Comic-Con with a bunch of Trekkies firing questions about what episode in the Original Series can you see the U.S.S. Enterprise is seen orbiting a planet from right to left, only these are motorcycle fans. They were getting pretty granular about what they were asking. And the Honda folks were nothing less than delighted.

goodie bags

Honda schwag

We then had a lovely dinner, many drinks and were split up into riding groups for the next day. I will be riding in the second group which will head out in the afternoon. We will get the opportunity to ride both models of the bike while we’re out.

Honda VFR1200F and DCT

Then we’ll find out if this baby is worth the hype!

Stay tuned for an in-depth post about the bike and my ride experience. In the meantime, if you’re on Twitter follow @HondaPowersports!

On Friday June 4th Honda is flying me cross-country to California and the next day is the big ride. That weekend I’ll be meeting with some select moto journalist, consumers and bloggers (along with all the marketing and media folks from Honda). We will split into smaller groups and go on a ride through beautiful Santa Barbara, getting a feel for this motorcycle.

Honda VFR1200F sport-tourer

It will be an interesting experience for me as most of my riding experience is on cruiser-style bikes (I would love to check out the new Shadow Phantom or even the Fury street chopper!). I have read a few reviews online about this bike and it seems that opinions are a bit all over the place. Some feel that it’s just a heavy sports-bike while others think its innovative design sets a new bar for sports motorcycles, establishing “a new definition of performance motorcycling”.

Either way, this is a super-exciting experience for me and I’m so grateful that Honda thought enough of me and the work I do here at www.rippin-kitten.com to be a part of it.

One of the features I’m most intrigued by is the Dual Clutch Trasmission. Like a traditional bike you can shift using your foot/hand combo but the VFR1200F also has a fully automatic mode and “paddle” shifting which lets you shift with just a flick of the index finger or thumb. Oh, and did I mention the six speed transmission?  Check out the specs on Honda’s VFR1200F and me know what you think.

Over half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle. Most of the time, the motorist, not the motorcyclist, is at fault because they unintentionally fail to “recognize” a motorcycle. Car drivers are often distracted while they are driving, whether it’s due to children acting up in the car, using a cell phone, fiddling with the radio, trying to eat or using some sort of GPS device.

MSF encourages all car drivers to use the SEE strategy while driving to reduce the number of accidents out there on the roads. What is SEE?

• Search: actively scan and identify factors that could create increased risk
• Evaluate: consider potential problems arising from the interaction of those factors
• Execute: the physical skills used to prevent or avoid the resulting hazards

I realize that stressing motorcycle awareness on a motorcycle blog is essentially preaching to the choir, but hopefully there are some cagers that also read this blog that can help encourage other car drivers to become better drivers. Look and look again for motorcyclists, just drive while you’re driving (let the cell calls go to voice mail!), turn signals aren’t just there to hold your hair elastics and slow the F down! We should all be able to be nice out there on the roads.

Last night while nursing a scratchy throat with some tea, I was flipping through the channels and stumbled across the movie Purple Rain. I immediately began to feel really old when I realized that it was released 26 years ago. Sigh. I remember when I was a kid it looked like the Best Movie Ever, but as I started to watch it last night I realized that it was a really horrible movie with really great music clips.

Purple Rain

Then there was his motorcycle. My recollection of it was much different than what it actually was. Maybe it’s the giant fairing in the front, but I recall it being more flashy and impressive. A little bit of Googling ensued (and a lot of conflicting opinions later) led to a forum thread that included info from a guy named Tom Summers, who supposedly worked on the bike for the movie.

He revealed that the motorcycle was a 1981 Honda 400A (also called a Hondamatic 400) and had a Kutter fairing added on (although a lot of people say it’s a Windjammer fairing). The seat had a hot pink velour inserts and you can see the early version of Prince’s symbol painted on the fairing.

movie captures found at imcdb.org

There were three bikes in the movie, two of them stunt bikes. Prince’s actual bike was revamped in 1990, painted black and gold for the movie Grafitti Bridge. But one of the stunt bikes, still painted purple, is currently on display at Paisley Park Studios.

Graffiti Bridge

OK, there’s my useless knowledge post of the week! I will now have this song stuck in my head for at least…three days!

A lot of people take different approaches to storing their rides for the winter months. Some place their bikes in a storage facility that is climate controlled and then later have it professionally detailed, others have their own heated garages and lovingly polish the chrome in the middle of January as they “X” out the days of the calendar for Spring to arrive. Me, I am lucky that my parents let me store mine in their unheated, under utilized garage.

While my motorcycle is protected from sitting out in open, exposed to the harshest elements, it still gets exposure to some. Typically when I pull it out in March there is a fair amount of surface rust, mold on the leather and a few other things that make my hand and elbow ache as I start to think of cleaning all of those things.

dirty...and not in a naughty way!

moldy & dirrty leather

get me some engine cleaner, stat!

inspecting all the work ahead of me

Actually in previous years I’ve had good luck cleaning everything up with a Mother’s power ball (although these days I use a Flitz. It holds up a little better to wear and tear) and some nano polish, which was subject of one of my very early posts. Everyone has different fail-safe techniques but this one works for us.

So, as I followed my yearly tradition and visited my ghost-flamed, two-wheeled friend I also came to realize that this is going to be the year that I really have to make some major modifications. First on the list is new exhaust pipes. The one’s on there are stock, but I did drill out the baffles to make it a little louder (which now may be a bit too loud now, since the fascists in this state are beginning to crack down on noise pollution). Now the big question is: what kind of pipes should I get? I want some that look great and have a bit of noise to them but aren’t stoopid loud. Anyone have any suggestions?

That also means I need a new air kit. A few years back I was having problems with air flow with the stock set up and ended up drilling out the carbs to adjust the mixture, then I pulled the stock air kit and installed a Uni filter. But that opened up a new and different can of worms. So it’s time to try something else.

my saddlebags are begging to be cleaned...

I do love my Willie & Max saddlebags. I like the size and think the two-toned colors of the bags go well with the paint on my bike. The only thing I don’t like about them is that they’re not quick release. Does anyone know if there is a kit out there to modify saddlebags to do this? I also got a great little River Road studded fork bag from Riders Discount that I’m looking forward to using on some day trips.

Soon enough it will be back in shiny, summer time shape and I’ll be ready to rip up the roads!

Since then, the steampunk movement has become it’s own subculture, popular among goths, punks, cybergoths, rivetheads, gamers, and geeks. It has influenced fashion, art, books and movies and there was even a steampunk cruise on Sydney Harbor for those who dress up wearing cool goggles and their neo-Victorian best.

a fine example of steampunk fashion (from the LiveJournal Steampunk community)

So, what is steampunk?

The literal definition of steampunk is: a genre of science fiction set in Victorian times when steam was the main source of machine power. But the original idea of steampunk came from scientific, fantasy novels written by H.G Wells and Jules Vern. A facet of steampunk culture is comprised of modifying a modern object (computers, ipods, guitars & amps, etc.) using materials like old cogs & gears, rivets, polished brass, iron, and wood.

Movies like Hellboy and League of Extraordinary Gentlemen incorporate a lot  of the steampunk aesthetic.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army

Capt. Nemo's car from LXG

Steampunk motorcycles

OK, now on to the good stuff.

Some of the motorcycles highlighted here may not necessarily been created with steampunk specifically in mind, but the end result of the design can easily fall into the category.

The Whirlygig Emoto is a steam-electric hybrid motorcycle that actually doesn’t “go” using steam, it’s propelled by propane and batteries. You can read my original post about it and even watch video of it in action!

Whirlygig Emoto

Dave Geertsen’s metal sculpture on wheels. There are more photos of his creation at bentwheel.com.

Dave Geertsen's steampunk creation

Choi Minsoo’s steampunk motorcycle is a hybrid motorcycle powered by gasoline and electricity, and the big box on the bike probably holds the batteries.

Choi Minsoo’s steampunk motorcycle

Newstalgia Wheel created this steampunk-styled chopper.

Newstalgia Wheel's retro meets modern, steampunk chopper

Confederate Motor Company’s Hellcat Combat and P120 Fighter.

Confederate Motor Company's Hellcat Custom

Confederate Motor Company's P120 Fighter

Concept bike RK Chain from RK Concepts

RK Chain from RK Concepts

Victory Motorcycles concept bike, the Victory CORE.

Victory CORE concept

Bike builder Chicara Nagata hand-crafts every element on these bikes that he can, except for the antique drivetrains he uses. There are almost 500 parts on each bike and fabricating each part and assembling it can take Nagata up to 7,500 hours per bike, which cost a cool million each.

Chicara Art Classic 1

Chicara Art Classic 2

Chicara Art Classic 3

Chicara Art Classic 4

Are you drooling yet? I don’t know about you, but I don’t have a spare million for one of Chicara’s bikes (although I wish I did!).

More, more, more Steampunk

So do you think Steampunk is the coolest thing you’ve ever seen, or you just don’t get it and you want to learn more? Here are some great sites to peruse and discover more:

Steampunk Workshop: for all things steampunk
Boing Boing: the geekier side of steampunk
Steampunk Fashion Flickr group: this is how the kids do it

Related posts:
Steampunk motorcycles
Video Thursday: Steampunk motorbike

While the current hockey season may not be the Bruins best, the Boston Bruins Foundation, in collaboration with Dirico Motorcycles (formerly Red Wing Motorcycles), presents a truly one-of-a-kind Boston Bruins themed motorcycle.

one-of-a-kind Boston Bruins themed motorcycle

Dirico Motorcycles is the merged talents of music innovator Steven Tyler and master inventor Mark Dirico.  They have joined creative forces to build this custom Dirico motorcycle which embodies the celebrated history of the Boston Bruins.  The motorcycle will feature custom Bruins themed paintwork, authentic signatures from Steven Tyler, and the signatures of the following sixteen prominent current and former Bruins players:

• Zdeno Chara
• Cam Neely
• Johnny Bucyk
• Ray Bourque
• Milt Schmidt
• Terry O’Reilly
• Gerry Cheevers
• Phil Esposito
• Rick Middleton
• Brad Park
• Tim Thomas
• Patrice Bergeron
• Marc Savard
• Milan Lucic
• Derek Sanderson
• Ken Hodge

signatures of prominent current & former Bruins players

These attributes make this bike a priceless collectible (estimated value of this prize is $33,000.00) which any lucky participating Bruins fan has the opportunity to win and call their own.

The motorcycle will be raffled of during the course of the season, beginning on January 2, 2010 and ending on April 11, 2010 at midnight. Proceeds generated by the raffle will support the Boston Bruins Foundation, where you can purchase raffle tickets.

That being said, if you know of some other kooky, concept-type motorcycles: share with the group!

Predator Motorcycle

Predator motorcycle

Are you a tough guy that likes intimidating people just by passing close to them along the highway? Then, this awesome and scary skull-covered design is just the right one for you! The Predator motorcycle was made as a commission, by Pitstop Motors, a custom bike shop in New Jersey. (Link)

Jaguar Motorcycle

Jaguar concept bike

This cool Jaguar “leaper” cat logo concept bike was created by Barend Massow Hemmes of Massow Concept Cycles along with Polar cycles of Doncaster UK. Professional computer illustrators and even a sculptor contributed to get this truly unique final result. (Link)

World’s Tallest Rideable Motorcycle

Biggest rideable motorcycle

Do good things come in small packages? Not in this case! This massive motorcycle was built by Greg Dunham and is 6,500 pound heavy, 15 feet tall and 20 feet long. The huge design has entered the Guinness World Records, as the world’s tallest rideable motorcycle. It took 3 years to have it finished and its price is $300,000.

Suzuki Biplane (Motorcycle)

Suzuki Biplane concept motorcycle

This futuristic Biplane concept motorcycle was presented in 2007 by Suzuki in Tokyo. Due to the awesome aircraft-inspired design the rider is supposed to have the same feeling as being in an open-canopied biplane. (Link)

World’s Biggest Single-Cylinder Motorcycle

Biggest single cylinder motor on a motorcycle

This outrageous motorcycle was built by Franz Langer, a retired German engineer who had his name written in the Guinness Book of Records for building the biggest single cylinder motor on a motorcycle. (Link)

Flying Motorcycle

Flying motorcycle

If you are a thrill seeker, you will love this one! A flying bike called the Super Sky Cycle, created by former test pilot Larry Neal of Boyd. This original machine can go as fast as 70 mph in the air and 60 mph on the road. The price? About $ 25,000! (Link)

F15 Fighter Jet Motorcycle

Fighter jet motorcycle

This oddity is actually an Honda Goldwing motorcycle that has been modified to look like a mini F15 Fighter Jet! Who would have thought?

Uno Motorcycle

Uno cycle

Wait a minute… isn’t one of the wheels supposed to be in front of the other? Not when we talk about The Uno. This orange and grey colored machine made its first appearance in the 2008 NationalMotorcycle Show in Toronto. It was invented by 18-year-old Ben J. Poss Gulak, who also gave the unique motorcycle certain interesting features, like running on electricity and being controlled by body language. (Link)

World’s First Motorcycle

This one’s really a collection piece. The First Motorcycle was created in 1885 in Stuttgart, Germany. It was designed and built by the German inventors Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach. The invention was also the first petroleum-powered vehicle. (Link)

Electric Motorcycle

OCC's electric motorcycle

Take a look at The Smart Chopper, an awesome electric motorcycle presented a few months ago by Siemens. It is charged in 5 hours when plugged into any 110-volt socket but this could be reduced to even one hour when plugged into a higher-voltage station, according to Siemens.The Smart Chopper has a countrywide tour scheduled for next year, in order to promote sustainable and green technology. (Link)

Shoe Motorcycle

Marshall's shoe motorcycle

Now, this is an original one! The orange shoe motorcycle was spotted by Dale Murray around Chicago downtown. The unusual machine was promoting a shoe sale at Marshalls. (Link)

Cartoon Motorcycle

Rat Fink "cartoon" motorcycle

Are you the kind of person that wants all the attention on you? Well, you would love a ride on this one! This crazy cartoon-inspired motorcycle took part in a Motorcycle Rally. The event, that gathers motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world, presents the weirdest of motorbike designs once a year in Sturgis, South Dakota. (Link)

IMS attendees and motorcycle enthusiasts across the country have been visiting the booth in droves in order to catch a glimpse of this year’s impressive 50-foot trailer and two new bikes including Flo’s Flyer, the Progressive Custom Bike built by Sucker Punch Sally’s and named after perky Progressive spokeswoman, Flo. In addition consumers can register to win a Progressive custom bike built by Sucker Punch Sally’s. Not even halfway through this year’s tour, Sucker Punch Sally’s is reporting a huge increase in participation and customer response due to the booth’s lounge atmosphere where bikers can relax, enjoy the bikes and learn more about Sucker Punch Sally’s and Progressive Insurance.

Sucker Punch Sally's owner Christian Clayton with SPS giveaway bike

Progressive custom bike built by Sucker Punch Sally's

The weekend of January 8-10 the IMS Show Tour was in Greenville, SC where the booth boasted another impressive showing. The IMS Tour’s remaining destinations include: Washington DC, Jan. 15-17; New York, NY Jan. 22-24; Cleveland, OH Jan. 29-31; Minneapolis, MN Feb. 5-7; Chicago, IL Feb. 19-21 and a final stop Daytona, FL March 3-6 during Daytona Bike Week.

If you’re in the area make sure to drop by the IMS Show Tour and visit the Sucker Punch Sally’s and Progressive booth. As always the booth will be staffed by SPS and Progressive representatives who are ready to answer all of your old school chopper questions as well as insurance inquiries. The IMS Show Tour’s next destination is Washington DC, the weekend of January 15-17. To get a peak Flo’s Flyer and the wide array of bikes that SPS has available, all of which include genuine SPS style visit suckerpunchsallys.com.

Related post: Sucker Punch Sally’s continues partnership with Progressive Insurance

The holidays are over and now we’re launched head first into the long stretch of winter where we get cabin fever and our claustrophobia starts to make our brains get a little crazy. We start to get antsy. We daydream about doing something crazy. Then boom: the next thing we know we’re doing something a bit spontaneous and a little irrational. We’ve just made a large purchase. Like, say, a brand new motorcycle! Sure we loved our old ride. It was perfectly fantastic on those hot summer days. But in the dead of winter we just need something to perk us up and get us through until spring.

If this perfectly describes what you’re going through then Harley-Davidson has an incentive that might give you that extra push you need to dump open your wallet. They just launched a new program called the Competitive Bike Exchange. Dealers will accept competitive bikes and provide $500 over the trade-in value toward the purchase of a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Harley-Davidson's Competitive Bike Exchange website

The website not only has some drool-inducing photography of the many different models, but also has a fun lil quiz that you can take to find the right Harley-Davidson that fits your personality. It’s kind of a cool thing for anyone who is having trouble figuring out what model will work for them. I took the quiz and got 5 different bikes for my soul: Wide Glide, Fat Boy, Street Bob, Softail Deluxe and the Crossbones. Pretty accurate for me, I’ve always said I wouldn’t mind a Fat Boy if I ever went the H-D route…

Anyway, even if you’re not in the market for a new bike, let alone an H-D, it’s still fun to peruse the site and waste a few fun minutes taking the quiz. And if you’re in the shopping kind of mood this will provide some good incentive.

Harley-Davidson  just released a new video featuring the 2010 models, with music by Rocco DeLuca and the Burden (I don’t know who they are but the song isn’t half bad). You watch it here or their YouTube channel.

It’s a free country

Also, they’re giving enthusiasts a chance to raise their voice on riding and living free. Visit http://www.h-d.com/freecountry to make your statement and see nearly 6,000 others. Using your message and an image of a 2010 Harley-Davidson motorcycle of your choice, you can create a custom banner ad that can then be shared on social media sites and turned into a wallpaper.

This is a cool way to get H-D enthusiasts engaged not only with the brand, but with the new line of 2010′s. Here’s my banner! Isn’t it inspiring?

I rode into Boston and when I came out from my appointment, I found that the Boston Police left me a little note. Not the dreaded orange kind where I end up owing them money kind of note. This was something new and interesting.

Pipe down please

PIPE DOWN PLEASE

Be considerate of the neighborhood where you are operating your motorcycle. Loud exhaust pipes become a quality of life and a noise issue. We need your cooperation.

There is a Massachusetts Law under Chapter 40 Section 22 for Excessive Noise, an EPA Federal Law that requires the labeling of exhaust pipes and a City of Boston Ordinance on Altered Exhaust Systems. Please operate your motorcycle within the confines of the law. Boston Police Officers will enforce the law when you have altered exhaust pipes or caused excessive noise from your exhaust pipes. Be courteous and obey the law. It’s much nicer to be quieter.

Boston Police Department

Now if I look beyond the total pandering copy of this sickly sweet “we hate you” note Boston’s well documented prejudice of bikers shows through.

There have been rumblings of this evil $300.00 Boston City Ordnance among riders here in Massachusetts. Basically, it’s illegal. This Ordinance goes well beyond pulling you over if your bike is stupid loud. This specific ordinance requires that a Motorcycle Exhaust must carry an EPA stamp which is visible to a parking or police officer who can issue a citation if they don’t see the EPA stamp – violation is subject to a $300 fine.  Citations can be issued whether the vehicle is in operation or parked on a street in the City of Boston.

So now Boston wants my  pipes to have some sort of stamp on them visible to a parking nazi, yet the State of MA says that I must have heat shields on my bike. How can you have both?  Also, just because an exhaust pipe has a stamp doesn’t mean it falls within the 105db limit in MA.

If we allow fascist dictators like Mayor “Mumbles” Menino, of Boston, or any local officials to concoct asinine laws directing their prejudice against us, they will legislate our past time of motorcycling completely out of existence. We must take a stand against this tyranny.

Harley-Davidson is bringing back its Ride Free Guarantee. Specifically, Harley-Davidson will guarantee the value of its legendary Sportster motorcycles by backing their trade-in value.

Riders who purchase a new 2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycle at a participating H-D dealership between July 1 and August 31, 2009, will receive the value equal to the original MSRP when they trade in for a new Harley-Davidson Big Twin or V-Rod motorcycle within one year of the purchase date.

All of the details about the Ride Free Guarantee are available at http://www.h-d.com/ridefree.

Sure, our New England weather is typically true to form and is as unpredictable as ever during this week, 90 degree temperatures one day or cold and rainy the next. Actually, inevitably is almost always rains one of the weekends! But that’s part of the fun!

This year the Broken Spoke Saloon in Laconia is stepping up their game a little bit with an East Coast vs. West Coast biker build-off between Paul Cox and Chica (which should be really interesting) and  Boston’s very own, multi-singer-kick-ass band, Bang Camaro, will be rocking everyone’s world the very first night.

So, who’s going this year? Sound off!

The Legendary Buffalo Chip Announces Theme of 9th Annual Motorcycles as Art Exhibition presented by Michael Lichter

The theme of Michael Lichter’s 9th annual Motorcycles as Art Exhibition during the Sturgis Rally this year will focus on history and motorcycle icons. The exhibit will be presented at the new Lichter Exhibition Hall on the grounds of The Legendary Buffalo Chip. Although there are many “iconic” symbols that have defined motorcycle culture, this year’s exhibition entitled “Rebel Rousers – Motorcycle Icons that Inspired Us to Ride” will remind Sturgis rally-goers what motorcycle icons may have fueled their passion for ride through a stunning review of world-class motorcycles, art and movie memorabilia.

Rollie Free

While the word “icon” has come to mean “someone or something widely and uncritically admired” and is often used synonymously for “fame,” “renown” or “legend” in our celebrity-driven culture, this exhibition will attempt to recapture some of the original sense of the word “icon” as it refers to symbols and revered images. On display will be motorcycles, from Captain America and Billy bike to Dave Mann’s Ghostrider, and memorable images like Rollie Free flying down the salt, as well as posters and stills from films like The Wild One, On Any Sunday and Easy Rider. All of the objects in the show have in some way become sacred to bikers. They have inspired — and will continue to inspire — the devotion of enthusiasts. In addition to looking back, the exhibit will look at contemporary images and bikes that may be considered iconic to future generations of bikers, such as films from Biker Boyz to The Worlds Fastest Indian, and motorcycles like Jesse James’ “Camel Bike” and Indian Larry’s “Wild Child” BBO bike.

Easy Rider poster

The Legendary Buffalo Chip has built “The Lichter Exhibition Hall” which is a 7,000-square-foot facility designed to showcase art and motorcycle exhibits like this year’s “Rebel Rousers,” as well as future shows by Michael Lichter. The exhibition will be open to the public Saturday, August 1st through Friday, August 7, 2009, and admission is free. To see more about this year’s exhibition and Lichter’s past exhibits, visit www.motorcyclesasart.com

“Rebel Rousers – Motorcycle Icons that Inspired Us to Ride” would not be possible without the generous support of the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa, the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, N.C., and many industry and private collectors. Conceptual help came from Professor Steven Alford, Professor Suzanne Ferriss and Dave Nichols. Presenting sponsors for this year’s exhibit include, Interstate Batteries, Metzeler Tires, Progressive Insurance, and Spectro Oil.

Now celebrating its 28th consecutive year as “The Best Party Anywhere,” The Legendary Buffalo Chip is the Sturgis Rally’s best-known hot spot. Since 1982, the Chip has become internationally famous for the performances on its 4 stages, hotbartenders and special events presented “by bikers, for bikers.” The Legendary Buffalo Chip has been featured on one 13-episode television series and five television specials, some of which remain in current broadcast rotation. Its 2009 schedule of events includes its 9-day concert series (free to campers) featuring favorites like Aerosmith, Toby Keith, Cheech and Chong, Hinder, Tesla, George Thorogood and Creedence Clearwater Revisited.

Captain America shot by Lichter

Michael Lichter began photographing custom bikes and the biker lifestyle after merging passions for photography and Harleys in 1977. In the years since, Easyriders Magazine and their sister publications have published over 900-articles with his photography. Michael continues to supply imagery for clients as diverse as Nikon Cameras, Rolling Stone magazine, Indian Motorcycles, S&S Cycle, Baker Drivetrain, Wiley X sunglasses and more than 20-motorcycle magazines internationally. Since 2001 he has exhibited his limited edition archive prints in galleries across America and abroad and is now finishing work on his 10th book.

Deep South Choppers introduces its first model as a manufacturer – the “DSC Shocker”.

You can catch the guys at Deep South, May 7th–9th in New Orleans, LA for Bike Week New Orleans, as The Easy Rider V-Twin Bike show makes it down south to the big Easy. No other city possesses the diversity andwealth of activities, scenery and pleasures in such a convenient location as New Orleans. Plus, it will sure to be the biggest party New Orleans has seen since Mardi Gras! Visit www.bikeweekneworleans.com for all the event details.

Deep South Choppers, in conjunction with the legendary Broken Spoke Saloon is teaming up for the National Unveiling of the DSC SHOCKER.

The National unveiling of the “DSC SHOCKER” will take place at the Broken Spoke Saloon – May 8th @ 7:30

About Deep South Choppers

Deep South Choppers started building custom motorcycles in 2004, and have been established among the leading bike builders in the country. With ongoing print and media attention, and the accumulation of satisfied customers, Gary Rutherford (a personal friend of Bert Baker owner of Baker Transmission) approached Dennis and Brad to build a custom show-bike that would highlight the new Baker Torque Box Transmission. This custom build for Gary named the Red Alligator, has received national media attention and has been on display in the Baker Transmission booth at many national bike shows. But even though DSC had a great business following as leading custom bike builders, the guys at DSC always had the dream of manufacturing and promoting their own brand and official line of motorcycles. Now in 2009, the first official DSC line (the DSC SHOCKER) the bobber with a twist, is on the ground and rolling. The SHOCKER is available in two models, High Voltage and Low Voltage.

DSC SHOCKER

Deep South Choppers introduces its first model as a manufacture – the “DSC Shocker”. For the builders and owners of DSC, this is where old school, meets new school.

The “DSC Shocker”, is a bobber with a twist. The rear of this DSC bobber has Carrera racing shocks. This provides the customer with a comfortable ride while not having to surrender the ultimate old school appeal. The “DSC SHOCKER” is available in two models. The High Voltage, which features mini ape hanger bars and the Low Voltage, which feature hot-rod drag bars.

DSC Shocker

Both models are manufactured with proprietary parts from DSC. The frame, bars, battery box, fuel tank and license plate bracket are all exclusive designs of Deep South Choppers. In addition, Dennis and Brad Mannino also chose high quality components such as a Harley Davision 80 inch engine for reliability and durability in conjunction with a Baker 5 speed transmission.

The “DSC Shocker” is making its mark in the Bobber class of motorcycles. DSC Customers receive a high quality custom production bike at a sensible price.. Low Voltage MSRP $ 19,900 – High Voltage MSRP $ 20,500. Deep South Choppers is currently taking orders for the “DSC SHOCKER”.

Elisa Seeger’s Genuine Motorworks is a ground-breaking, artistic lifestyle shop that caters to male motorcycle and hot rod enthusiasts that want to pay tribute to American heritage through their apparel choices. It features hip, rider-focused apparel, motorcycle art, helmets, accessories and more. They feature many admired brands including Indian Larry, Levis, Frye Boots, Salinas Boys, Johnson Motor Company, and Filson, to name a few. She successfully achieved a perfect mixture of the true spirit of motorcycling and an alternative to the standard bike shop. It is an experience, rather than simply a place to shop. “We wanted to invite all our supporters and friends in the media to celebrate our grand opening. We are grateful and excited to say it was a rousing success” says Elisa.

The Genuine Motorworks crew

The new space combines a contemporary feel with classic motorcycle style to create a fun and comfortable environment. The response from the press and attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Drinks and hot dogs were served and the crowd stayed well into the evening, despite the cold weather. The artist’s gallery was thoughtfully planned out and featured the photography of Bobby Seeger Jr. Displayed were shots he has taken of Indian Larry over the years and the Indian Larry “Wild Child” motorcycle. The “Grease Monkey” bike was also on display in the front window and shows passersby that Indian Larry’s inspiration is still alive and well. Genuine Motorworks will continue to feature inspired custom bikes and artwork from artists on a monthly basis.

Indian Larry building the "Wild Child"-photo by Bobby Seeger Jr. (I think)

The Genuine Motorworks store is located at 195 N. 14th Street in Williamsburg area of Brooklyn, N.Y., and is open every day 11 a.m.-7 p.m. For more information about Genuine Motorworks, please visit www.genuinemotorworks.com or call 718-486-6971.

Despite the sluggish economy, Sucker Punch Sally’s continues to expand and has hired Ray to help with the artistic direction of the company’s product lines. Ray teamed up with Sucker Punch Sally’s in 2008 to produce ten limited edition customs bikes, all featuring original designs hand-painted by Ray. In her new role, Ray will assist with apparel design, motorcycle paint schemes, custom paint jobs and will provide general design help.

Sara Ray is the newest member of the SPS crew

“It was one of those situations where you meet someone and instantly you are on the same page. Her talents translate perfectly to what we do and she has been like family since day one. We finally overwhelmed her with so much work that it just made sense for her to come to Arizona full time.” Said Christian Clayton, Owner of Sucker Punch Sally’s.

Ray specializes in hot rods, pin ups, rockabilly posters, nose art and World War II scenes – subject matter that complements SPS’s signature old-school style. Her portfolio contains the traditional oil on canvas, but her most recent artistic ventures have included hand-painted Fender guitars, custom motorcycles and airplanes. In her spare time, Ray wrenches on her own hot rods and travels to air, military and art museums.

“Moving to Arizona became necessary as my involvement with the Sucker Punch Sally’s team has grown into more than just painting bikes. They’ve given me the opportunity to create a visual entity of the company with absolute free reign and total conviction in my ideas and abilities. Getting to work within a group of people who back and encourage your Hot Rod addiction 110 percent and where free time is spent doing the same things you do for work is an outstanding situation to say the least. I’m exited to bring my cards to the SPS table and already creating a massive portfolio of art and ideas that are going to showcase very soon.” Said Sara Ray.

Sucker Punch Sally’s is a custom motorcycle manufacturer specializing in old school, stripped-down motorcycles. Heading into 2009, their Swinger was awarded production custom of the year and in 2008 the 66 Bobber and Traditional both won awards. All of these facts solidify SPS’s position at the top of the production motorcycle market.

Their bikes have been featured in The Horse Backstreet Choppers, Motorcyclist, Cycle World, Easyriders, Street Chopper, V-Twin, Barnett’s, Sync Magazine, Ironworks, Cycle Source and Hot Bike. Sucker Punch Sally’s is the place to go if you’re looking for a totally custom, old school chopper, or just a reasonably priced production bike.

Visit Sucker Punch Sally’s online or call them at (480)778-9500. For dealer inquiries contact Alex McClelland alex@suckerpunchsallys.com

Spike has posted two new clips on their site for our viewing pleasure!

In honor of the long-standing relationship between motorcycles and rock-and-roll, the Hard Rock Fender guitars will be on display exclusively at the Hard Rock Roadhouse. Guitars were customized by some of the motorcycle industry’s most recognizable talent including:

Ami James of Love Hate Choppers
Athena “Chickie” Ransom of Vagabond Choppers
Bill Dodge of Bling’s Cycle
Christian Clayton of Sucker Punch Sally’s
Dave Perewitz of Perewitz Cycle Fabrication
Eddie Trotta of Thunder Cycle Design
Keino Sasaki of Keino Cycles
Pat Patterson of Led Sled Customs
Paul Cox of Paul Cox Industries
Paul Wideman of Bare Knuckle Choppers
Russell Mitchell of Exile Cycles
Steve Broyles of Stevenson’s Cycle
Taber Nash of Nash Motorcycles

Of course, the Roadhouse wouldn’t be complete without custom motorcycles. Attendees will have the opportunity to see the latest works from some of the world’s hottest custom bike builders. The photography exhibit will feature work from world-renowned motorcycle photographer Michael Lichter, Josh Kurpius and others. A traditional rock’n’ roll Hard Rock Guitar Smash will kick off the New Orleans Bike Week on Thursday at the Morial Convention Center.

“We’re excited to support and be part of New Orleans’ first annual Bike Week,” said Carrie Repp, producer of the Hard Rock Roadhouse and owner of R&R Promotions. “We’re working with some of the best in the industry including New Orleans Harley-Davidson, Broken Spoke, BikeWeek.com and Easyriders Bike Show Tour to put New Orleans back on the map of the country’s best motorcycle rallies.

The Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse will be open daily during Bike Week. For more information on the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse and New Orleans Bike Week please visit www.hrroadhouse.com, www.easyriderevents.com, www.bikeweekneworleans.com, www.neworleansh-d.com and www.hurricaneh-d.com

Going into it I really had no idea what to expect. I wasn’t sure what kind of interview he would throw at me. Up front, I’ll say that he was very easy to talk to and I enjoyed our conversation (thank you, Shawn!). At the time, I thought I was answering all the questions to the best of my capabilities, trying to sound smart and like I knew what I was talking about and voicing my opinions affably without sounding like an uninformed, opinionated bitch. Overall, we had a great conversation and I hung up feeling good about it!

Then I listened to the podcast when he told me it was posted and inevitably I slapped my forehead a few times! First of all, I cringed at the sound of my own voice (who doesn’t, right?). As the interview progressed I started to wonder how many times I said “you know” “ummm” or “I feel like…” Errrgh. So much for sounding self-assured and intelligent!

I’ve heard many times before that I have “strong opinions” or that I’m very “opinionated” and I guess listening to myself made me realize that was true. I hope that I adequately support those opinions and not just blurt them out with attitude. I try to do a good job in explaining what I have to say and hope that it isn’t too off-putting. Sometimes when I throw a statement out there, I hold my breath waiting for the backlash to occur. Luckily most times I’m able to let it all out with relief when most people agree with me (whew!).

There were definitely a few questions during the interview that I wasn’t expecting and I wonder if everyone can tell that I’m floundering. Overall, I think I did ok. If you have a spare half hour take a listen and let me know what you think!

The other day I was going through my RSS reader and I came across an article from Daytona on Women Riders Now about the unveiling of a motorcycle built specifically for women. The company’s name is ROAR motorcycles and they tout themselves as the resource of motorcycles for women.

“Vintage modern” motorcycles. What the F is that?

The ROAR WildKaT is the first motorcycle designed from the ground up for women riders. Seriously, do women really need specially designed motorcycles? Why don’t car manufacturers start building women-specific cars then? Oh wait, they do. It’s the mini-van.

“This bike is making history,” said ROAR Motorcycles president and CEO, Kathy Tolleson, the builder of the motorcycle. “We are challenging the industry with the WildKaT. We will begin manufacturing the WildKaT in the spring of ’09 and we have nothing but high hopes and aspirations that women riders across the land will take notice of this truly unique product,” said Tolleson. “It has a unique look that I would call ‘vintage modern’ and is the best handling bike that I have ever ridden.”

Vintage modern, really? Isn’t that an oxymoron? I don’t quite understand what she means by that. And doesn’t Tolleson seem like the female version of Bruce Rossmeyer, marketing their bikes to older female RUBs? Oh wait, we haven’t talked price point yet. I’m getting ahead of myself.

Tolleson showing off the WildKaT

Where’s the basket and the bell on that custom motorcycle for women?

The bike features a 1200cc Harley-Davidson motor sitting in a chassis that’s able to accommodate short and tall women. The frame suspension can be adjusted from a 23.5 inch seat height to a 29.5 inch height providing women with a custom fit. It has also been ergonomically designed for a woman featuring a narrow tank, adjustable handlebars, an easy-pull clutch and foot controls that can be moved forward or backward eight inches, adjustable in two inch increments without needing any extra brackets. The specially designed exhaust curves forward and around the rider’s foot and is run low below the floorboards. Tolleson says that getting burnt by hot pipes is a major concern among women motorcyclists. Um, I’ve never been burned by my pipes. All it takes is dismounting on the side that doesn’t have the hot pipes, or just being generally aware of your bike and its parts. It’s not rocket science.

Does this motorcycle make my ass look fat?

And to top it all off, the WildKaT has a wiiiiiiide, leather seat to accommodate a woman’s…um…hips. Yeah, hips. So, I guess women with lotsa junk in the trunk can ride a with more comfort and less complaining.

All this can be yours, ladies, for a mere $22,970!

Girls, don’t believe the hype.

Is it just me or are companies like ROAR and Ridley (who market their automatic motorcycles mainly to women) not giving women any credit to be able to handle a regular motorcycle and almost taking advantage of them? It seems they are dumbing down motorcycles just to make a buck. Do you think that the Van Buren sisters had modified “girlie” bikes?

Why are some women buying into the hype?!?! It makes me so angry to see droves of women gathering around the Ridley tent at rallies, sitting on those glorified scooters and to hear that ROAR has reservations piling up for this motorcycle that isn’t even produced.

a nice powder-pink Ridley

I know that lots of people (women specifically) might not like my opinion. They might say something like”well, who cares what women are riding as long as they’re out there riding?”

Me. I care.

I am a firm believer that if you can’t do something right, you shouldn’t do it at all. If you can’t handle a real motorcycle then you shouldn’t be on one. Period. Riding a motorcycle is not something that everyone is skilled enough to do. And it does require skill. Now, I will insert a disclaimer here that some people with physical disabilities (like my husband’s uncle with a very bad back condition or another friend who has one leg) are given a pass for certain customizations they need to make in order for them to ride. But an able-bodied woman is another story altogether.

Girls, just bite the bullet. Learn to ride properly (most states offer the MSF course and even Harley-Davidson offers a rider’s safety course) and PRACTICE. That’s all it takes to get on your own ride. You don’t need a “woman’s” bike to join the ranks of riders, in fact you will probably be doing yourself more harm than good if people know you are riding a glorified scooter.  Buy a bike, learn to ride and you will get the respect you deserve.

**EDIT**

Also check out the post on Motorcycle Nation Podcast in response to my post. Very interesting to see another point of view on the subject.

Well, it’s not actually a bike week, it’s more like a festival that takes place over a few days. May 6th-10th, to be precise. This event is brought to us by the Broken Spoke Saloon, Bikeweek.com and Easyriders and features lots of entertainment, events and delicious, authentic New Orleans cuisine throughout the rally at “rally prices.” Most of the events are only about 10 minutes away from the French Quarter so you can head on over after you get yourself a Po’ Boy.

Some of the bands appearing include everyone’s favorite musical albino, Edgar Winter, BlackFoot, Farrell Webber Band, and lots of “tribute” bands including Aultimate Ozzy, Hells Bells (AC/DC tribute band), Seven Bridges Road (Eagles tribute band), and Houses of Holy (Led Zeppelin tribute band).

There will also be the “Chrome Kitchen” where some of the finest chefs will compete in the kitchen against some famous bike builders (although no names are mentioned anywhere that I’ve looked). Sounds like fun.

And one of the biggest Easyriders V-Twin shows of the year will be staged in the New Orleans Convention Center.

“Easyriders Events is proud to be part of the Bike Week New Orleans project,” said John Green, director of Easyriders Events. “It is a rare opportunity for us to be involved at ground level with a group as passionate about the Motorcycle lifestyle as we are.

We have seen a recent shift in Motorcycle entertainment. With the new economy, people are looking for the same experience they find at Daytona and Sturgis close to their home turf.”

Makes a lot of sense if you live on the East Coast and can’t afford to travel far but still want a fun rally experience. More info about the rally, tickets and hotels can be found at http://www.bikeweekneworleans.com

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Harley-Davidson,  as you know, has a full line of “dark customs”.  Two years ago my pal, Greg White of Speed TV, hooked me up with a Vulcan Custom to ride. And now Honda is putting out it’s own custom, the Fury.  If everyone has the same bike, how is that custom?

Some of these “customs” have a great look (and I really wouldn’t mind taking the Fury out for ride) but I think that calling them all custom is really a misnomer. When I think of a custom I think of originality, one-off parts and unique paint. To me, a bike needs some serious modification to be considered a custom. Every motorcycle owner, especially the cruiser owners out there, makes the same basic changes when they get their bike.

First, we change out pipes, air filters, maybe bars and cables then add some saddlebags (or remove them) to give  our bikes a bit of our personality and performance-liking. With those minor changes, we can park in a lot with 100 other bikes and pick ours out of the crowd, with no problem.  But, can someone else?

What makes a custom motorcycle “custom”?

Lets look at some of the similarities in a few customs.

Vulcan Custom

Iron 883 Dark Custom

Honda Fury

American Ironhorse

HD Cross Bones

Right off the bat you can see that, regardless of the brand, a “custom” is more for the solo rider. They have smaller seats, which are lower to the ground. Fenders are bobbed down, both in the front and rear. Bars are mostly pulled back, although apes or mini-apes are acceptable. Individual stylized wheels are a necessity.

All of these “custom” bikes are just doing at the factory what we normally do when we get our non-customs home. So, I guess in that aspect you might be saving some money if you buy one and keep it bone stock but seriously, who keeps their bike stock?

So, if you buy your own custom, do you have to make all the normal changes to customize your custom? My friend ArtBiker bought a ’49 panhead and chopped the bejesus out of it. Now that is a custom. Buying a frame and building your own is a custom. For a custom to truly be custom, you need to customize it. Right?

ArtBiker fixing his chopper

Factory Custom Bikes and You

What do you think? Is the world of unique, factory-custom bikes just building more of the same? Would you prefer if they just called them something else? If you bought (or own) one, will you change it or keep it stock?

p.s.  I know that some of you have seen, this but it’s too fricking cute to let pass by.

I’ve seen plenty of guys people do double-takes when they see me on my bike. And I’ve received occasional props from people when they find out I ride my own. It’s 2009 and I’m still surprised at the variety of feedback I get because of my gender and motorcycling hobby. I wonder what it might have been like almost 100 years ago.

Back in the day, before women could vote and we were under the thumb of “the man” (any man really), two intrepid sisters had a dream. New York “society girls” Adeline and Augusta Van Buren (descendants of our 8th president) dreamed of serving our country by being motorcycle dispatch riders. With America’s entry into WWI looming on the horizon, the time was now (or then, actually) to prove that women could do it.

Adeline Van Buren

Augusta Van Buren

On July 4th, 1916 “Gussie” and “Addie” set out from Brooklyn heading toward the City of Angels. Now you have to remember, (as my husband is so fond of saying to me) prior to the Eisenhower interstate act of 1956 there was “no way to get there from here”. In fact it wasn’t until three years after the girls made their trip, that Dwight D made his trip in a truck convoy as a young army officer, which planted the seed of our future highway system.

Imagine crossing this country on a series of dusty, unpaved country roads and only seeing asphalt, brick or cobblestone when in a major city. That would be like riding 5,500 miles on conditions that today we go out of our way to avoid. And while were talking about the conditions of our country’s infrastructure, lets talk about the machines they were riding.

Back in the early part of the 20th century there were over 200 motorcycle manufacturers in the U.S. and at times the biggest of them was Indian Motorcycles. After sweeping the Isle of Man TT in 1911, most serious riders found themselves on an Indian. Although Harley-Davidson was a solid brand, it wasn’t so until WWII that they left Indian in the dust.  Like other serious riders, Gussie and Addie Van Buren were no exception to the Indian rule. They both chose to ride the top of the line Indian Model F with the Power Plus 1000cc twin.

From Brooklyn, the pair headed north to Buffalo and then west to the big city of Chicago.  After leaving Chi-town not only did the girls really find themselves in rural America, but on occasion they found themselves in handcuffs being arrested for wearing men’s clothing! But for the most part, they were able to talk their way out of most situations as they trekked through Omaha to Denver.

While Gussie and Addie were not the first women to ride across the USA on a motorcycle, they were the first to summit Pike’s Peak. I’ve ridden up Mount Washington on crappy asphalt, stone and packed dirt with no guardrails for your safety to an above the clouds height of 6,288 feet and that was fairly harrowing. They climbed more than twice that to 14,109 feet and made history becoming the first women to ever summit Pike’s Peak (a ride I’d like to do some day…).

Like most motorcycle journeys, the women found themselves in unplanned situations. Some roads were washed out, at times they dumped their bikes, they even got stuck in the mud and lost in the desert west of Salt Lake City. But just like happenings of today, they were helped out by fellow riders, good Samaritans and friendly town-folk.

Mexico or bust

Late summer in 1916 saw the girls ride into Los Angeles, completing their trip on September 8th.  Apparently they were hungry for a little Mexican and since Baja Fresh hadn’t opened just yet, they rode down to Tijuana for good measure.

One of the best parts of a road trip is meeting new people and telling them your story. I’m sure that in the summer of 1916 two slender women in men’s clothing, on a transcontinental journey was a scene that turned plenty of heads. Stories like this inspire me to travel and seek out adventure. I might never be inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, or the Sturgis Hall of Fame, but that doesn’t mean that each time I take the road I shouldn’t ride like I’m seeing the world for the first time.

Thanks to my husband for being such a history buff and kicking my butt to write this post!

If you want to learn more about Adeline and Augusta VanBuren check out vanburensisters.com, a website maintained by their kin.

So, while I recover from the shock of getting back to the daily grind, I’ll leave you with the top 10 viewed posts of 2008!

1. Steampunk Motorcycles-even though I wrote this post a year ago, it is the most popular post of my site. The Steampunk movement has gained much popularity since then.
2. BikerorNot.com: bikers and social networking pt. deux-social networking sites are booming. It seems that every subculture has formed their own social community these days. Since this post was published I have received numerous emails informing me of yet another new biker social community and asking me to join or write about their site. I can only keep track of so many accounts these days and it makes me wonder if more is better.
3. Bikers and tattoos-Two of my favorite subjects! A brief history of tattoos in America and how they touch my world.
4. Bring Exile Cycles back to TV-the popularity of this post surprises me a little. Prior to this post I had read a myspace bulletin from Russell putting out the call to fans for some help. This year we’ve seen Russell on VH1′s Rock of Love and of course, that silly Comcast commercial that featured Exile Cycles, with an actor playing the part (instead of “hardcore” heavily-tattooed Russell) that confused so many people. Here’s hoping we see a lot more of him in the future.
5. Anatomy of the Kawasaki Vulcan-in the summer of 2007, Greg White contacted me and hooked me up with Kawasaki to test ride the Vulcan 900 Custom. I spent a few gleeful weeks riding this bike and this is my dissection of various elements of the bike in detail. Thinking back on the experience makes me remember how much I enjoyed riding this bike. And yes, the skinny front wheel felt safe!
6. Biker Movie Hell Ride in theaters August 8-this movie was all the buzz for us this summer and it came and went in the blink of an eye. It had a very limited release in theaters and when it finally came out on DVD it would be an understatement to say it is a love/hate kind of movie.
7. Slayer launches a line of helmets-*RAWK!* Rockhard helmets launched a line of motorcycle helmets emblazened with graphics of our favorite thrash metal band. They’ve since increased their lineup of bands that include: Lynard Skynard, KISS, Slip Knot, Motorhead (yes!), AC/DC and The King. These suckers ain’t cheap but if you’re a fan I’m sure they’re well worth the cash!
8. Garage Girls: a new site for women, or is it?-this was my initial review of Sara Liberte’s new online venture. I was as honest as I could be while reading through the site (maybe too honest?). So much so  that I actually received an email and blog comment from Sara letting me and everyone else know that the site was brand-spankin’ new and to cut her some slack. I revisited the site three months later and was pleasantly surprised at the changes that had been made and the fresh content that had been added. Props to Sara.
9. Video Tuesday: Harley-Davidson Dark Custom-this video accompanied the announcement of HD’s newest and coolest motorcycle. I also went on a bit of a tirade about how out of touch Bruce Rossmeyer is with a younger demographic.
10. My first motorcycle love-I’m so happy to see this post made it to the top ten! This is a guest post, written by my nearest and dearest, recounting the love of his first motorcycle, the experiences he had while owning it, and then eventually trading it in for a newer Road King. Definitely a good read. Hmm, that reminds me…I think I’ll bug him to guest post more often!

So, I thought I would take my gift of “free time” to kind of slow down and catch up with my bloggy life.  I do have a few little bits and nuggets of news to share.

This is hardly new news but the winners of the Harley-Davidson Bikes, Camera, Action! video contest were announced earlier this week. I have to give these ladies credit for taking the time to make these great videos. I think a video contest is a lot to ask of the general public and these ladies rose to the occasion. Congrats to them!

Here are the top three:
Her Need for Speed
Girls Night Out
Here Come the Bride

In additional Harley-Davidson news, it’s been announced that registration for the 2009 Women’s Experience ride in Daytona is now open. The second annual MDA ride will take place on March 3rd and only the first 500 women to register will be eligible to take part in the event. Last year they raised $60K from the event. Here’s hoping they beat that amount this year since it’s for such a good cause.

Here’s a bit of Sons of Anarchy news from writer, producer Kurt Sutter’s blog SutterInk:
“Based on final ratings, FX’s critically acclaimed freshman drama series Sons of Anarchy has proven itself to be a worthy successor to the network’s award-winning drama series The Shield, which completed its historic seven season run last month.

With the Live +7 ratings factored in from Nielsen Media Research on a multi-telecast basis, Sons of Anarchy delivered a weekly average audience of 5.83 million total viewers (jumping 16% vs. the Live numbers) and 3.9 million Adults 18-49 (up 18% vs. the Live numbers), the highest ratings of any new series on FX since the network’s hit series Rescue Me, which debuted in 2004. On a first-run basis the series averaged 2.6 million total viewers and 1.75 million Adults 18-49.

For calendar-year 2008 on a first-run basis, Sons significantly surpassed new and returning basic cable shows on delivery of Adults 18-49 including Saving Grace (1.59 million), Battlestar Galactica (1.58 million), Eureka (1.42 million), Raising the Bar (1.37 million), The Cleaner (1.11 million), Mad Men (879,000) and Breaking Bad (821,000).

Sons of Anarchy showed incredible consistency on a week-to-week basis and actually saw audience growth over the final two episodes, hitting its peak with the season finale (episode 13), which delivered 3 million total viewers on its first run. The second-to-last episode (episode 12) delivered the most Adults 18-49 (2.04 million) in the series entire run. The series premiered on 9/3/08 to 2.87 million total viewers and 1.73 million Adults 18-49.

FX has picked up a second season of Sons of Anarchy, slated to begin in Spring 09.” Not too shabby! There’s also another interesting post going back a few weeks about the new defunct HBO project 1% that got HBO in all that legal hot water with the notorious Sonny Barger.

Recently I’ve joined the collective of microbloggers and have been tweeting away! If you’re on Twitter, aspire to get on Twitter to see what it’s all about, you can find me @rippinkitten. A bunch of my fellow blogger tweeps are there as well as some new friends. Come say hi!

I know that we all read a ton of motorcycle blogs of different form and fashion but I’d like to take a minute to plug a new blog written by my friend: ArtBiker World: Art, Bikes, Bikers, Culture. I’ve known ArtBiker, aka Matt Linton, for over 10 years when he used to live here in Boston. He now resides in Houston, TX with his family and is one dude who lives and breathes motorcycles and the biker culture. Oh yeah, and he’s one hell of a photographer, too. His blog went live only a few short months ago and it is a great read. Go show him some love!

Now I’m going to make some hot chocolate and watch those flakes start to fall.

A little over a year ago I did a post about a tentative tv show called “Metal Church” featuring Jesse James that was slated to air on Spike TV.

“Payupsucker Productions, James’ own production company that he recently established, will produce two specials and two primetime pilots in each year of the two-year deal with Spike TV.

Metal Church, the first pilot being developed under the agreement, is a do-it-yourself series that will follow James as he shows viewers the ins and outs of customizing vehicles.  In addition, the first Spike TV special starring James is slated to air during the second quarter in 2008.”

Since I posted over the summer that Spike TV has ordered 10 episodes of the stunt-themed Jesse James is a Dead Man (due to air February 2009) I’m guessing that Metal Church is not going to air on television at all.

But if you’re a member of Jesse’s members only Chopperdogs site (for a low monthly membership cost of  $45.00 for the first month and renews for $19.95 each additional month. Oh, but you also get a T-shirt, welcome letter, an autographed photo, and four stickers) the premiere episode “How to make a Frisco style gas tank out of steel” is now available for viewing.

Admittedly, it took me a while to get into watching this show. In the very beginning, I dismissed it as a “Shield” or “Sopranos” on motorcycles. I also couldn’t get past how the “club” was portrayed, the fake tattoos, the lame dialogue and the shiny, new HDs they were were riding.

From the start I did appreciate Katy Sagal’s portrayal of Gemma. As they say, behind every great man is a great woman and Gemma is indeed the great woman behind Ron Perlman’s club leader, Clay. l was unsure about Jax’s character in the beginning. I didn’t get what he was all about, other than a womanizing loser who seemed like a sheep, just following what everyone tells him to do. I always liked Opie’s character and I think I like him even more now that I learned he was intended to be killed off (Ryan Hurst, the actor who plays Opie just signed on as a series regular).

I watched when my husband turned it on, but I didn’t always stop what I was doing to watch intently. Until we got past the middle of the season. Then I noticed the show began to hold my interest more. I realized how good the writing was becoming and, independent of reading any news articles, how much the show was drawing from Shakespeare. Then it all started to click in my head. Jax was a character who was wondering: “To be, or not to be…”

From the SoA page on Wikipedia:

The family drama is loosely based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet indeed, star Ron Perlman has said, “I’m sure they’re going to stick to the structure of Hamlet all the way to the end” of the series. Clay is based on the role of King Claudius and Gemma as a Gertrude figure.

Jax stands in for Prince Hamlet himself; his reflective questioning of the SOA culture, brought on by the birth of his son, references Hamlet’s melancholy over the death of the king. Additionally, Jax “communicates” with his dead father by way of his late father’s unpublished journal/manuscript; Hamlet, of course, literally communicates with the ghost of his father.The drama and characterizations are also enhanced by drawing on Macbeth, another Shakespeare tragedy.

Ron Perlman’s portrayal of the Claudius-like character, Clay, is so guilt-ridden that he resembles Macbeth more than Claudius at times. Even more, Katey Sagal’s Gertrude-like Gemma resembles Lady Macbeth because, while it is never entirely clear from Hamlet how complicit Queen Gertrude is in the murder of Hamlet’s father, it is obvious that Gemma has willingly participated in the cover-up of the murder and may even have encouraged Clay in his treachery.

The last two shows were the most intense of them all.

Sons of Anarchy Spoiler Alert!

The turning point and ultimate summation of the season came in the last 10 minutes of the 90 minute season finale. The hint of a weakening leader when Clay is not able to button the sleeve of his shirt. The homeless woman (who we first met outside of the grocery store enlightening Gemma while asking for a few dollars in order to help her boys) shows up again, this time showing Jax the path to redemption. You can’t get more biblical than seeing Jax literally wash away the sins on his hands with the cold water in the graveyard. And he then silently spoke louder than anyone by walking (not riding his motorcycle) to Donna’s burial by himself (wearing white, of course) standing opposite of everyone else decked out in black. The tell-all gazes he shot at Clay, Gemma, Piney and Opie that told them all what he wanted them to know before walking away.

With such smart writing I’d like to think that the show is finally hitting its stride. Beautiful symbolism combined with great writing allows the story to build up and a possible future to be paved.

As a person who wasn’t eager to add another program to my already packed list of television-watching, by the end of the season I can say that Sons of Anarchy is now on my list of must watch shows for next season.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that two of my other favorite shows this season we canceled.

Here’s a quick reminder of what the show is about:

“FX Network’s new original series, Sons of Anarchy, is an adrenalized drama with darkly comedic undertones that explores a notorious outlaw motorcycle club’s (MC) desire to protect its livelihood while ensuring that their simple, sheltered town of Charming, California remains exactly that. Charming. The MC must confront threats from drug dealers, corporate developers and overzealous law officers. Behind the MC’s familial lifestyle and legally thriving automotive shop is a ruthless and illegally thriving arms business. The seduction of money, power, and blood.”

If you’re totally anxious for the premier and want to pump yourself up before the show, FX has jam-packed the SoA section of their site with all sorts of goodies: including information about the cast & crew, blogs, downloadable wallpapers for your computer and a few other fun things.

So make sure to set your Tivo or DVR if you’re not going to be around tonight to watch it! I can’t wait to hear what you guys think!

In true fashion, HD wastes no time in not only releasing the new line-up of motorcycles for next year, they also have the marketing machine working in full force. You can view the new line of motorcycles on their site.

The video is perhaps a little long for my (and maybe your) short attention span, but it’s a pretty good video. I have a few favorite models that I like, mainly the Softails.

If you wanted to (or had to) ride an HD, what would be your favorite model?

“Chopper Zombie” is a new graphic novel created by Thom Beers (yes, the same guy that brought us “Monster Garage” and “Deadliest Catch”), which was unveiled last month at Comic Con. For the occasion, a custom-built zombie chopper was created by Russell Mitchell and Exile Cycles (dressed with specially created zombie parts).

Image borrowed from Dread Central. View entire gallery of photos from the event there!

Beers got the idea to create a chopper/zombie movie for his ten-year old son, melding his own love for choppers and his son’s love for zombies. The graphic novel (and eventual movie-due to go into production in 2009) is about a motorcycle builder who refuses to sell his formula for a new super-fuel to a dangerous corporation. When a team of thugs drowns him in his own toxic creation, he rises from the dead with a score to settle. It sounds a bit like “The Crow” with motorcycles, but I’ll take it! You can be sure that I’ll be following any news about the movie when production starts.

Go to http://www.chopperzombie.com to check out pages from the graphic novel!

Choppers and zombies are two great tastes that taste great together (not to mention trendy these days)! Since I was unsuccessful in finding any videos of this event from San Diego’s 2008 Comic Con, I decided to go with a video of Russell Mitchell and Exile Cycles celebrating their 10 yr. anniversary.

This adventure has the boys going on a 15,000 mile motorcycle trip, starting off in Scotland and ending up in S. Africa.

Apparently the Fox Reality Channel started the show on August 2, but they’re showing the first episode again a few times this Friday (check out Fox Reality Channel’s site for details, not to mention they have a swanky contest to win some fantastic trips), so set your DVRs to record!

Sorry things have been quiet around here lately. You know how summer time is, everyone wants to be outdoors either riding or vacationing (not reading or writing blogs, ha ha!). I managed to take off to NH for a week and enjoy some of the nice weather we’ve been having (in between a lot of the rain, of course!).

Here’s a custom motorcycle company that’s come to home for me: Red Wing Motorcycles started by Steven Tyler of Aerosmith (who are from Boston for those that don’t know). They debuted their first motorcycles back in 2007 and have an interesting, retro feel to them. What do you guys think of them?

And if you’re a huge Aerosmith fan, each bike is signed by Steven Tyler himself!

So, today’s video is of course, by Aerosmith and is one of my favorite songs.

Relative unknown, Charlie Hunnam stars as the conflicted hero, torn between the love of the brotherhood and the apprehension of its lawlessness. Ron Perlman (Hellboy) is his step-father and club president and Katie Sagal (Peg Bundy from “Married with Children”) is Mom. And you know there is all sorts of dark family drama to go along!

Look for “Sons of Anarchy” on September 3rd. If you’re completely jazzed and need your SoA fix now you can go to the official FX page or check out their MySpace profile!

We could only spare time for day trip this year (my stinky new job is eating into all my fun “me” time) and it was just a tease. If we plan on spending the whole week (or even just a few days) up in NH we usually take a nice leisurely, back-roads ride up to the Lakes Region. However for day trips we just hit the highway and blast up 93N for 100 miles until we reach the Tilt’n Diner.

Once making it to the diner most people shed their leathers and helmets and prepare themselves for the 13 mile trek to the Weirs Beach. It’s a nice scenic ride that can take up to 3 hours on the busy weekends.

Our first stop was the Belknap Mill. This old mill has a gallery that houses motorcycle exhibits during the rally each year. This year the exhibit was of some sort of acrylic-type paintings with a water color feel by local artist John David O’Shaughnessy. It was like line drawing meets forced impressionist. The show paled in comparison to my friend Art Biker, who had a show a few years back. But I might be slightly biased.

From downtown we headed to the beach, finding parking spots near the very end. We did the typical stroll, down the entire beach up to the drive-in area to peruse all of the vendors. After buying some swag, we were on our way back to our bikes when the skies opened up and we were nailed by the first downpour. Seemed like the perfect time to duck into a local watering hole and wait it out.

As we were hanging out I noticed that there weren’t that many customized motorcycles that knocked my socks off this year, but there was an abundance of photographers. In addition to my favorite motorcycle photographer (again, I might be slightly biased) we saw Michale Lichter and probably 10 other photo crews running around desperately shooting whatever they could find.

When the skies cleared we took the opportunity to jump on the bikes and rode the loop up the the Antler, back down past the Fun Spot and finding our way to the highway. While we were gassing up we got caught in a tremendous downpour and, along with hundreds of our closest friends, decided to hang out and wait for it to pass. Forethought told me to bring my rain gear, but I wanted to travel light (because my rain gear weighs so much?) so I left it at home on the table (perfect place for it, huh?). An hour later it finally stopped and was a bright sunny day again.

But since the biker weeks are not official Myrtle Beach events, the city is still trying to figure out how to get the bikers not to just show up.

The city says it wants the month of May to go back to being a family vacation month, not a time for rowdy partying.

“It’s what you and your thousands of event attendees do when you are here. It’s not who you are or what you drive. It’s what you do and what your behavior is when you’re here. That’s the issue,” says Mark Kruea. (source: WIS News 10)

Bikers from across county are planning to attend the Horry County council meeting on July 1 at 6 PM to show their unified support for continuing both rallies. “At this point we still have both bike rallies and what we need to do is sit down with city (of Myrtle Beach) officials and talk about how we can make the future bike weeks better,” said Hakim Harrell, CEO of Cycle Shoe International and promoter of the Memorial Day events held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. (source: scnow.com)

One of the more exciting bits of news for Sturgis this year is that mother-f*ing KISS (and Kenny Chesney) will be headlining each of the Rock’n the Rally shows! I’m so, so SAD that I cannot go this year. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t!
I will be hosting a contest to giveaway tickets to each show! Stay tuned!

In the meantime: join the legion that is the KISS Army, put on your demon make-up and rock out to one of my favorite songs:

In the meantime, I found an interesting video clip from Daytona 2008, featuring an interesting trio hanging out together.

If you watch UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) then that scary, yet handsome bald fellow should be no stranger to you: that’s the “Dean of Mean” Keith Jardine, riding his 2008 HD Crossbones. The other guy, who is the comic relief, is BMX-er Michah Kranz. The hot blonde is Jes Rickleff, who was the “winner” (if you can call that winning?) of season one of Rock of Love with Brett Michaels.

It seems like yet another example of Harley-Davidson trying to engage a younger demographic. Hey, it got me to watch!

Even though the town itself is small, there’s definitely no shortage of events: ranging from New England-style clam bakes, lots of motorcycle demos, music, The Ride to the Sky up Mt. Washington (which I could devote an entire post to, it’s so amazing!), hill climbs and races, beautiful scenic roads to ride on and of course, lots of vendors.

Rippin-Kitten, Ride to the Sky, June 2007

Last year I was able to attend the rally for almost a week. Unfortunately I won’t have the same luxury this year, but I do plan to go up for at least a day trip. If you live or are going to be visiting a near by area, I suggest you do the same.

Art Center College of Design shows Yamaha-branded wearable motorcycle concept

Challenged to rethink motorcycle transportation, Art Center College of Design student Jake Loniak decided the idea of a machine as an extension of the body should be taken literally. Inspired by Biomechatronics and called the Deus Ex Machina (not to be confused with that other Deus Ex Machina from Australia), Loniak’s concept is an electric, vertically parking motorcycle controlled by 36 pneumatic muscles with 2 linear actuators.

The Yamaha-branded Deus Ex concept is worn as an exo-skeleton with seven artificial vertebra as well as the pneumatically attached helmet. The motor is in-wheel, powered by ultra-capacitors and doped nano-phoshpate batteries similar to those already used in hybrids. It’s also capable of 0–60mph in three seconds. Top speed is 75mph with a recharge time of 15 minutes and cycle time of one hour.

As an exercise in urban transportation, we love the engagement a machine like the Deus would require. That said, the lack of storage or securement for a briefcase, purse or satchel means that even the average urban commute is beyond the Deus Ex Machina’s current capabilities.

Source: Hell For Leather magazine, written by Grant Ray

Over the weekend, as most of us know, the Rolling Thunder rally was underway with thousands of motorcycles heading toward the Pentagon to honor the fallen. The President was even made an honorary member of the Rolling Thunder motorcycle group.

While this video says it’s 9+ minutes long, it’s really only about five minutes long with a lot of dead space at the end. Despite that it’s put together well and still worth watching all of those that took part in the ride this year.

It’s now three months later and my curiosity has led me back to check in.

Here’s what I’ve found:

The homepage is now streamlined with digestible information, the footer links work and the content about Sara and Jody are in the appropriate “about us” section.

The Body & Machine sections have a lot more content broken out by monthly updates and reads sort of like a newsletter with info about nutrition, fitness tips and the latest news in circulation. On the Machine side, there’s info about motorcycle maintenance, advice and tips and general motorcycle news/info (with lots of videos sprinkled through to help break up the content). Again, I like how Sara is trying to make the correlation of taking care of your body and also your machine as an extension of your body. My only criticism for this section is that it’s not very obvious what month you’re reading, it’s not clearly labeled (which is more a criticism for the web team).

The Events page shows where you can next see Sara and the Garage Girls (although perhaps calling it something other than “events” might help users understand what they’re going to see when they come to this page), Sites2See is pretty much the same and Cruisin’ companions has some additional photos of fuzzy kind, with a link to donate to her local animal resource center-a topic near and dear to my heart.

While Garage Girls may not be the epicenter of information for women on the web, the site has improved and is forming a distinct personality of it’s own. Bravo to Sara for being tenacious in building her site up and showing us what she’s made of. I look forward to seeing where it is in another few months.

It was nice to spend some good, quality time with my metal-baby, giving it a good detailing since I busted it out of winter slumber. I know that everyone has a different method to their madness when it comes to cleaning their bikes, but I still swear by my own method (which I wrote about in detail last year). There’s such a great amount of gratification to see all of that chrome glistening in the sun after you spend time cleaning it up (here’s the pictorial from last year so you can see the difference!).

Gloucester Fisherman’s Memorial Statue

Yesterday we (along with everyone else and their motorcycles) went for a nice, relaxing ride up the coast to Gloucester. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect (although there were those few jackasses that you see riding around in short sleeved shirts, shorts and sandals…*sigh*). We stopped off for lunch: embarking on the the first of the summer seafood season that is paramount in this region, and soaked in some afternoon sun before heading back home.

This video was done in February 2008 and took 15 hours to complete. But you get to watch it all happen in just two minutes!

10. If she can do it, I can do it
This was one of the first posts I wrote that tackled my internal struggles of “women only”-type things. My favorite quote (still to this day) is a quote from the Suzuki spokesperson who said “we think [what] we know is that women motorcyclists don’t want to be called women motorcyclists. They just want to be motorcyclists. They don’t want a women’s motorcycle.”

9. I’m richer. Well, my motorcycle is anyway.
Last summer I made a lot of modifications to my bike-mainly because I was having airflow issues. Of course it’s a slippery slope when you start doing mods because once you alter one thing a chain reaction of other things needs to happen. But this post details one of my first adventures of tearing my bike down, drilling out the carburator and putting it all back together.

8. Video Tuesday: Laconia Bike Week 2007
My photo slideshow from Laconia NH bike week last year. I had such a great time, the highlight was riding all the way up Mt. Washington with all of the other bikers. What a view from the top!

7. “You ride your OWN?” (and other famous quotes)
I think the title says it all, some funny ones in there.

6. & 5. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom Day 1 and Anatomy of the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom
I’m putting these two posts together because they relate to each other. This was a very fun time from last summer cruising around on this motorcycle.

4. October 14: a day I can’t forget
This post chronicles one of the scariest and most trying times in my life. I truly believe this was fate testing us. I hope we passed.

3. Bikers and tattoos
Two great tastes that taste great together.

2. My first motorcycle love
A fantastic guest post written by Mr. Forrest Frazier.

1. Steampunk motorcycles
Perhaps I’m biased and this is too obvious, but because I love the steampunk movement this is my top pick. Also the most popular post on this site to date.

So now I ask you guys: is there a particular post that you really like from the past year and if so, which one is it and what makes it your favorite?

I know a ton of wrestlers ride motorcycles, in fact Mr. Jesse James built custom choppers for Shane McMahon (son of evil genius, Vince), the Undertaker and Goldberg (you can check those bikes out at West Coast Choppers website if you want to check them out).

I remember when the Undertaker dropped the “Deadman” schtick for a little while and went into full on Amercian-Badass-biker-dude persona. I liked that Undertaker, sans dyed black hair, so I went looking for some videos of that era. Well, I found 2 great tastes that taste great together: “Hollywood” Hogan (the evil version of Hulk Hogan) destroying the Undertaker’s motorcycle during one of the shows. It’s painful to watch this gorgeous bike get destroyed, but wrestling is ultra-sensationalism at it’s best (or worst, however you see fit to view it).

The initial destruction by Hulk Hogan.

And of course, the reaction from the Undertaker. Don’t you love how he gets so mad that he starts kicking the bike? Like it’s going to make him feel better?

(sorry for the ads, blame revver.com)

The premise of the show is that Earl has done a lot of bad things in his life and after winning the lottery & then getting hit by a car, he has an epiphany and decides he has to cleanse his karma by righting the wrongs he’s done.

Last night’s show, Stole a Motorcycle, details a night that Earl and his brother, Randy, stole a motorcycle from the OCC guys shop (not a chopper, it was a crappy beater bike that looked like a Sportster) that someone left the keys in. Paul Sr. and Jr. did their typical arguing schtick and Mikey was the jokester who left the keys in the bike. Screen time was short and sweet.

(the videos are from nbc.com, so sorry if there’s ads in them)

The interesting thing is that OCC was also approached to create a My Name is Earl theme bike to be auctioned off for the Make a Wish foundation. If you watch the show, then you can understand how humorous the paint job and plaid shirt seat cover is.

The actors talk about the Teutels’ acting abilities and Paul Sr. talks about creating the charity bike:

If you can try watch the episode either in a re-run or somewhere online. I highly recommend it!

Which brings me to a creation that’s been making the rounds all over the internet: a steam-electric hybrid motorcycle called The Whirlygig Emoto, built by an artist named Tom Sepe. The frame is 1967 Tote-Gote and while it’s steam-powered it actually doesn’t “go” using steam, it’s propelled by propane and batteries. But the steam still gives it a cool effect, even if it sounds like the tea’s done!

If you’d like to read up on this kooky creation, here’s a few links:

Steampunk Workshop

Tom’s Flickr page with lots of photos

But I guess we can’t write them off just yet. They do plan to sell their assets to new investors and continue with their operations. We shall see.

Recently, Johnny Knoxville decided that he was going to attempt an Evel Keneval-style stunt by flipping a motorcycle backward in the air. Problem was, he didn’t really know what he was doing, let go of the bike mid-air which promptly landed on him-breaking the handlebar off in his crotch.

So today you guys get a 2-for-1:

Here’s a short and sweet clip of the crash itself (no sound).

Here’s a much longer clip of Johnny on the Jimmy Kimmel show discussing the accident, the actual accident shot from a different angle and imparting the joys of having a catheter.

I know, he’s an idiot.

Be sure to watch next Sunday’s [RK: February 10 @ 9PM] episode of “Rock of Love” on VH1. Brett Michaels brings ten hot chicks, each one a potential Mrs. Michaels, into our workshop for their next challenge. Watch tensions rise as two teams race to get their Exile custom finished and fired first, all the while under the strict eyes of Russell and head mechanic Random. The finished chop then takes pride of place in the Rock of Love mansion for the whole season.

Check out VH1.com for more information or to satisfy your gnawing curiosity about Rock of Love 2: A Ride on the Wild Side.

This video is brought to you from the guys at Smart Cycle Shopper.

So what do you think? Twenty years from now do you think people will remember when Victory did this?

Rossmeyer, who owns 14 Harley-Davidson dealerships across the country, just acquired Boston Harley-Davidson and also opened up a high-end HD shop to sell overpriced t-shirts and gear to tourists on illustrious Newbury St.

He was quoted in a recent article written in the Boston Herald newspaper as saying:

“The image of Harley-Davidson bikers as ‘rebel riders’ is pretty much gone these days. We’re ‘Rolex riders’ now.”

Huh? Perhaps that’s the case in Mr. Rossmeyer’s world, but I think he needs to buy himself a clue. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the face of the modern biker is changing. Gen X and Y are getting in on the action and they definitely do not fall into the RUB category. There’s a younger demographic of riders out there just waiting to be tapped and the HD mothership gets that.

This video accompanies the announcement of HD’s Dark Custom line of bikes that’s had the motorcycle world buzzing for weeks now. These bikes are stripped, chopped and raw and extremely cool looking!

Even reading some of the comments on youtube the clash of the age groups is palpable:

“…you need a young spine to ride a hard single seat with your hands above your shoulders all day. these “radical customs” are poser bikes. hard core riders ride roadies, dynas, and softies and not fatbobs, nighsters, or boneses. you just cant sit on one all day.”

“Harleys aint for the old anymore – just ’cause i am 24, doesn’t mean i want a p-o-s bike. i want a harley, now i am gonna get me one. thanks for finally acknowledging not all gen x is broke…”

This is an interesting time to be a younger biker. I think I’ll sit back, watch and go along for the ride.

Here’s the background: Ewen and Charley decide they want to go on a motorcycle adventure together (on BMW R 1150 GS duel-sports) from London to New York: by going the “long way ’round.”

Their trip would take them from London to France, Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Siberia, Alaska, Canada before arriving 115 days later at their final destination, New York City. Their trip that often took them through some of the most beautiful countries, also took them through some of the most treacherous and unrideable terrains.

I was exhausted after watching all seven episodes in a row! The most extensive road trip I’ve done was almost 1,000 miles in two days-and that made me a little cranky. I can’t imagine doing it for almost 4 months, although I’m sure the longer you’re on the road the more acclimated you become to it.

But what an adventure they had! And, I never had much of an opinion about Ewen McGregor before but he is the cutest!

Celebrities and corporate moguls are fueling the boom in custom motorcycles–and creating a new subculture of fierce collectibles.

Jesse James and Kid Rock

 Jesse James, a distant relative of the outlaw from the 1880s, nervously scans his e-mail on a recent afternoon from a tiny office inside his 250,000-square-foot motorcycle shop in Long Beach, Calif. He’s searching for a reaction from a customer: Robert Wheeler, chief executive of Airstream, who is paying $300,000 for one of the most elaborate masterpieces James’ shop had ever produced–a gleaming silver motorcycle-with-sidecar to commemorate Airstream’s 75th anniversary. James and his welders machined, riveted and hammered 18-gauge steel and razor-thin aluminum into a space-age-looking vehicle, applying some of the same construction methods Airstream uses in its shiny luxury trailers. “I can’t wait for Wheeler to see it,” James says.

Word soon came. “It’s an absolute work of art,” says Wheeler.

Custom bikes inspire certain passions. Lauren Hutton was a 20-year-old nightclub waitress when she had her first encounter with one. Riding to work on her clunky Vespa, she heard the roar of a motorcycle that pulled alongside her at a stoplight. The guy astride a customized Indian Motorcycle bike, Steve McQueen, exchanged glances with her. “Hey, sweetheart!” he yelled. “You want to see how a movie is made?” Hutton nodded, flashing her gap-toothed grin, and followed him to the set of The Cincinnati Kid. It was her entrée into the world of cycling, a four-decade adventure that has vastly enlarged her circle of famous friends (see box)–and which nearly killed her in a 2000 accident.

What makes a handmade bike different from, say, a $120,000 MV Agusta F4CC with a 200hp engine? Custom-builts approach the power and speed of racers, but, as one-of-a-kinds, they also reflect the distinctiveness and eccentricities of the builder and the owner. They confer status and satisfy a basic need for exhibitionism. Typically they cost $25,000 to $150,000, depending on the degree of customization. At James’ garage bikes are built from the ground up and can take 800 hours to fabricate. They look and feel dangerous: “ape hanger” handlebars force the rider to reach for their grips; engines are set to growl as loudly as thunder; the guts of the bike–carburetors and transmissions–are purposefully exposed as menacing visual lures.

Perhaps 100 custom builders ply this trade in the U.S. Jesse James’ garage, West Coast Choppers, is a sprawl of warehouses in a rundown neighborhood of wrecking yards and auto body shops. He has recently opened a diner next door called Cisco (nasdaq: CSCO – news – people ) Burger, named for his one-toothed pit bull, whose portraits adorn the walls of the restaurant. Inside James’ compound is a metalworker’s dream. Steel is stretched and shrunk using planishing hammers, jig mills and Yoder roll-forming machines. There are nine power hammers operated by foot pedals, including a 1940s model once used by the Nazis to make wing sections for Messerschmitt fighter planes. Like many builders, James reels in 60% of his estimated $5 million in annual sales from his line of 200 parts, which he manufactures, from black organ exhaust pipes to Maltese Cross axle covers. He calls his hand-hammered fenders “rollers” (slang for a police car) and has used Civil War cavalry swords as suicide shifters.

James has hand-built bikes for trial lawyers, investment bankers and celebrities like Kid Rock and Keanu Reeves. The custom builder has clocked 110mph on motorcycle trips with Wal-Mart (nyse: WMT – news – people ) executives. He says his backlog is three years deep and includes a bike for Robert Nardelli, Chrysler’s new chief, who has to wait in line like everyone else. “I won’t make a bike for someone I don’t like,” says James, who is married to actress Sandra Bullock. “My hands won’t do it.”

Kid Rock owns three of James’ handmade models. “When I dump out the clutch on one of Jesse’s bikes,” he says, “it’s like being on a rocket.” Brad Pitt prefers work by Paul Cox and Keino Sasaki, a pair of builders who churn out a mere six bikes a year in a former wine warehouse near the Brooklyn, N.Y. waterfront. Inside the cluttered shop a sign reads: “Visitors will be shot. Survivors will be shot again.” Pitt’s bikes, nicknamed “Bone Crusher” and “When Push Comes to Shove,” are outfitted with features that come in handy when fleeing paparazzi. Most builders like to stretch a bike’s frame dramatically. Cox kept the extension of the frame of Pitt’s bikes to a mere 2 inches and put a modest 30-degree rake in the neck of the bike. He installed a horizontal piston that rides along the fork as a steering damper. All this adds stability at high speeds. The bike also delivers Pitt a smooth ride along L.A.’s potholed streets. His bikes are equipped with a Rigidaire pneumatic seat suspension system developed by Cox that absorbs vibrations using a small compressor and two air shocks under the seat.

Owners are fiercely protective of their machines. Chris Cornell, lead singer for Audioslave and vocalist on the title track for the last James Bond movie, demonstrated his loyalty at a stoplight in North Hollywood last year. One moment he was straddling his jet-black $55,000 custom Exile cycle. The next, he found himself flying through the air, having been walloped from behind by a speeding truck. Dazed but without any broken bones, Cornell flipped open his cell phone and madly dialed for help–not for himself, but for his Exile cycle. Minutes later a tattooed Englishman with a blond mohawk arrived. It was Russell Mitchell, the man who’d made the bike. He retrieved the smoking, crushed two-wheeler and brought it back to his shop for repair. With just a few cuts and scrapes, Cornell was back in the studio that afternoon.

Custom jobs are prized by lesser mortals, too. Andrew (A.J.) Herold, a Manhattan hedge fund consultant, has had two machines built at $25,000 to $50,000 apiece. “These bikes are assets I can enjoy now,” he says. His builder is Farmingdale, N.J. customizer William Dodge, who created one bike for Herold using a 1947 Harley flathead engine and another using a 1966 shovelhead engine (that is, with a domed combustion chamber). Herold has called Dodge in the middle of the night and on weekends for road assistance. He once dialed his savior while Dodge was in bed with his girlfriend. “Bill, I’m losing compression!” yelled Herold as he gunned his engine in neutral. Dodge determined the problem was a blown gasket; the bike was out for months. Herold was crushed. Motorcycles are his ticket to bike shows and block parties thrown by custom builders. He has also struck up friendships on scenic bike tours along the East Coast.

Collector Frank Cotroneo, a real estate developer and restaurateur in Bernardsville, N.J, owns 22 bikes–15 of them custom, which set him back $1.2 million. Why so many? “You need three kinds of custom bikes,” he says. “One for long hauls, one for looking cool and one as a sport bike for flying around curves.” Reason number two often predominates. Says Cotroneo: “I love pulling up to a stoplight and having a hard-core biker give me a nod of respect, then ask how I installed my suicide clutch.” He refers to a vertical shifter requiring a dicey maneuver to change gears–gripping the shaft with his left hand as he depresses the clutch pedal with his left foot, steering with one hand. Cotroneo has no patience for stock Harleys, with their cushy hand-clutch transmissions and factory paint jobs. “There’s nothing worse than pulling into a motorcycle rally and discovering that 20 people bought the same bike that you did.”

Never discount the bad-boy appeal. On a recent afternoon at the shop, Kid Rock, formerly married to Pamela Anderson, showed up at James’ shop and recounted what happened at a White House reception he attended recently. “I was drinking a Jim Beam with Donald Rumsfeld, talking about Iraq,” says Rock. “Then I heard this voice behind me, ‘Roooock, you’re a good man.’ It was the President. He slapped me a high five,” recalls Rock, guffawing as he puffs on a cigar. Rock’s visit to Washington went more smoothly than his trip to Atlanta in November. After a performance with his band he was arrested for punching a fellow diner at a Waffle House. The victim apparently wasn’t a biker.

Like Nascar, custom biking is sneaking into middle America. There are now a handful of reality shows on cable TV devoted to the subject. The longest running, the Discovery Channel’s American Chopper, is about the Teutuls, a family of feuding custom- motorcycle mechanics. They’re not arguing over money: Since the series launched, the Teutuls have done ads for Hewlett-Packard (nyse: HPQ – news – people ), AOL, Lugz Boots and the Wall Street Journal.

One slight hurdle for this collecting sport: the frequency of mishaps. Last summer custom builder Billy Lane plowed his pickup head-on into a biker, killing the man instantly (he now faces manslaughter charges). Indian Larry, a motorcycle stuntman and builder, died three years ago after tumbling off his cycle from a standing position at a bike show. Lauren Hutton barely survived her 2000 accident. “I landed like an arrow, head first, then my body rolled for 170 feet across 4-foot boulders,” she recalls. A crushed sternum, multiple fractures to her right leg and a collapsed lung resulted in a long hospital stay. And yet, she keeps the pieces of her destroyed BMW 650 in her New York City apartment. “Someday I’ll have someone reassemble it,” she says–perhaps a custom builder.

:Steampunk:
Definition: a genre of science fiction set in Victorian times when steam was the main source of machine power. (You can learn more at wikipedia.)

Artists have been experimenting with steampunk art for a while and it’s gaining in popularity. It incorporates a lot of brass, copper and the use of gears and cogs and has a high-tech, yet vintage look. One of the most recent creations that has spread online is the steampunk LCD monitor and keyboard modification (which can be found at the Steampunk Workshop if you’re interested in modifying your own set up).

steampunk laptop

I began to wonder if anyone had created steampunk-style motorcycles and with the help of Google, a blog called Dark Roasted Blend and The Kneeslider (both sites posted about steampunk style motorcycles back in July, you can read them by following the appropriate links) I found some examples.

While these motorcycles might not have specifically been created to reflect the steampunk sensibility, they come pretty close and I think they’re really fantastic.

This is the Bobster trike from Zeel Design.

This bike was initially created for a motorcycle comic and the artist’s brother decided to make it real.
You can see more images of this bike on this German site.

Now this bike, the Hubbard Steamcycle actually has a steam-powered engine. Read more about it.

This is the B120 Wraith which was made by the Confederate Motor Company.

And lastly is this beast: the Aero Bike by none other than Mr. Jesse James.
Cycle World has an article about Jesse and this bike.

There’s no doubt that these motorcycle are really fricking amazing, but I hope one day someone builds one with steampunk specifically in mind.